Parasound HCA-1000 vs. HCA-100A

gmorris
gmorris Posts: 1,179
edited June 2004 in Electronics
Does anyone know if there is anything different between the Parasound HCA-1000 and the HCA-1000A? Except, of course, for the remote turn ons?
Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    That is the only difference....a remote trigger.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    I think I might finally pull the trigger & bid on an HCA-1000 tonight on Ebay..... I'm getting nervous.....:(
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    :D
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2004
    There is support available brotha, 1-800-HCA-4YOU. Many Parasound groupies there to help you through the rough spots...
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • I-SIG
    I-SIG Posts: 2,243
    edited June 2004
    Originally posted by gmorris
    I think I might finally pull the trigger & bid on an HCA-1000 tonight on Ebay..... I'm getting nervous.....:(

    In my experience, I say you should save a little more and at least get a 1500. The 1000 I demoed was pretty weak. Couldn't drive my SDA's past 80-85dB's without the clipping LED's starting to illuminate.

    Others seem to have had a totally different experience than mine though...

    Wes
    Link: http://polkarmy.com/forums

    Sony 75" Bravia 4K | Polk Audio SDA-SRS's (w/RDO's & Vampire Posts) + SVS PC+ 25-31 | AudioQuest Granite (mids) + BWA Silver (highs) | Cary Audio CAD-200 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Rotel Michi P5 | Signal Cable Silver Resolution XLR's | Cambridge Audio azur 840C--Wadia 170i + iPod jammed w/ lossless audio--Oppo 970 | Pure|AV PF31d
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    Good question Wes.

    G - What are you planning on driving with the Parasound?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2004
    Regardless of what you're driving...IMO the 1500 is the better deal is isn't that much more money...

    Remember that the 1500 has MOSFETs in the driver stage, the 1000 doesn't...for whatever that's worth.

    I did BUNCHES of research about a month ago. For the money, you really can't do better than the 1500...just my two cents...
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  • Terrax
    Terrax Posts: 483
    edited June 2004
    Agreed, I would opt for the 1500a over the 1000a. I have both, and while, for the money, the 1000a is a solid unit. The 1500, is much more of a brute. :D
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    If he's driving a pair of bookends, why would he buy a HCA1500?

    We don't even know yet as to the actual purpose of the potential bidding. The HCA1500 is without a doubt a better piece, owned a couple of them myself. The HCA1000 is simply a hole filler for marketing, and is the bare bones Parasound offering. It is still a decent amplifier, John Curl design, and if was picked up cheap....how could it be wrong?
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2004
    not saying the 1000 isn't a very capable amp...

    When I was looking, I found 1000As for around $350 and 1500s for around $450...

    To me, even if you're driving a pair of outdoor speakers from Best Buy, the 1500 is still the better purchase. True, maybe it's more amp than you need for the purpose...but you have IMO better future 'upgradability' with the 1500...

    now if you're looking to snag a 1000 for only a couple Franklins, that changes things a bit...but from my viewpoint, the 1500 is a better buy at only an extra bill...
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  • Terrax
    Terrax Posts: 483
    edited June 2004
    Bookends? Hm..... never tried those, they sound good? I have a few holding some old books up....... I think I'll see if I can wire'em up.. :p
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    I will be using whichever amp I get to drive RTi70's. I passed on the HCA-1000 last night. Opening bid was $300. No bids, poor thing went unsold.

    There is an HCA-1000A up right now that ends in 2 days, current bid as of 7:38 AM EST, 6-25-04 is $211.50. Much better deal. So I decided to hold out & bid on this one.

    I'll have a peak over at Audiogon to see if there are any deals on a 1500.

    As for the reasoning behind the amp, I just want better sound than the Onkyo TX-SR601 is capable of, for two channel music. (the Onk is just fine to me for 6.1 movies)
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2004
    either amp will drive the 70s fine. Those are the speakers that I have, personally I think the 1500 does a better job of driving those. It doesn't give me any extra headroom really, but it does open up those highs and mids a bit over the 1000.

    Just an FYI...that 1000A you're looking at will go easily for $300 or more...

    Best of luck, whichever one you choose...both a fine amps...
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    There is an HCA-1500A at Audiogon, for $650.00.

    I've never used Audiogon before. The 1500 is in the classified section. That means it is not an auction, right? So $650 is the final price, no bidding required?

    That is $350 off retail, what do you think of that deal?
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited June 2004
    $650 is still a good deal. You can get it new online for that though through somewhere like aUDIOADVISOR.

    I just bought one for $450 in perfect shape. Unless you're in a hurry, I'd hold out for a better deal...you can always get it for $650 anytime...

    And yes, no bidding in the classified section...
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  • Terrax
    Terrax Posts: 483
    edited June 2004
    Also, on Audiogon, in the classifieds, you can email the seller and see if they might take a lower price. Most of the time they will put "obo" in their ad.
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  • brody05
    brody05 Posts: 329
    edited June 2004
    The main diff as I understand (having had both) is the 1000a has a higher current load of 45ampers per channel, the 1000 only has 25amps per channel, it will reach its limits easier but under normal listening conditions and 6 to 8 ohm speakers both will run similarly without problem. Hope this is helpful.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    The "A" identifies it as having a remote trigger.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    doro, do you agree with the 25 Vs. 45 amp rating statement or not???
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2004
    Ref 45 vs 25 amp capability....

    Disagree, the "A" simply means triggering is provided as Doro stated. The basic specs on the amp are unchanged. See the Parasound FAQ's on their website.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2004
    I had to dig thru my notes, but Brody is correct.

    HCA1000 = 6800uF
    HCA1000A = 10,000uF, larger transformer, and remote turn-on

    Parasound only has two models that vary like this, and I was completely unaware of this fact.

    The "A" suffix is currently the identifier for remote trigger, it doesn't signal any internal changes. Sorry for the confusion.

    Brody - Thanks for the information.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • gmorris
    gmorris Posts: 1,179
    edited June 2004
    Brody, you get a cookie for being the Polk Citizen of the day....:D

    Good catch.
    Bob Mayo, on the keyboards. Bob Mayo.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2004
    Well...****. I couldn't find anything at Parasound under "vintage" products that would suggest a different current capability.

    I stand corrected. Good to know information....Brody, you the man.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • brody05
    brody05 Posts: 329
    edited June 2004
    No worries guys, it is something I only paid any attention to lately as I tried running a 4 ohm load in mono and found the 1000a could handel things a bit better and figured it out then.
    Cheers for the nice comments, it is great to be able to help after some of the answers I have found here in the Forum (with help from others of course).
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  • RobertKent
    RobertKent Posts: 1
    I currently have 3 parasound amps that were purchased in 1997 for my whole house system.
    1 hca1000a, 2 hca1000, 3 hca600.
    My speakers are 1997 Unity Audio reference floor standers. I was using my bk140 amp with a chiro processor as a pre amp.
    I decided to do a 5.1 , I bought a Marantz sr5010 and a denon blue ray/cd with a dac. Also a pair of elac5 on stands.
    I want to use the two hca 1000's through the sr5010 pre outs as mono block with the unity audio, the loudspeakers are 8 ohm 100+ watts.
    I could use the hca600 to boost the elac's if that makes any sense.
    Any ideas or thoughts. I am not thin skinned.
    I like these paras and would like to use them if it would enhance my marantz sr5010.
    Thanks Robert
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,387
    The 1000 and 1000A are essentially the same. Beside the remote turn-on, the 1000 used four 6800uF caps in the PS while the 1000A used four 10000uF caps. This was one of the weakness that Jon Curl pointed out. I was able to find some Nippon Chemicon 12000uF to fit in mine.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • msg
    msg Posts: 10,127
    edited August 2016
    Stan, curious, what, specifically, was the weakness? Sorry, unclear as to which unit; presuming you mean the use of 6800's?
    I disabled signatures.
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  • skrol
    skrol Posts: 3,387
    I believe that Mr Curl felt that the PS caps in the 1000A were also on the small side. The physical size of the amp and the board layout limited the size cap that could be utilized. Apparently when the 1000 was designed, the biggest value cap that would fit and meet the voltage spec was the 6800uF. By the time the 1000A was designed, the 10,000uF 63V was available. Now you can actually find 15,000uF 63V. I decided to go with the 12,000uF 80V because the rails are running 60V and I wanted a little more voltage margin.

    Another shortcoming compared to the HCA-1200ii and up is the lack of the MOSFET stage.

    Mr. Curl had also given me some advice on biasing higher than they were from the factory but you need to monitor the temperature when biasing and keep it well ventilated when operating.

    While the HCA-1200ii and up are superior, the HCA-1000(A) is still a very fine sounding amp. I also have an HCA-800ii that I re-caped and souped up a little that is also well worth having in a budget system, even though thought it is NOT a John Curl design.
    Stan
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Benchmark DAC1, Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i; Technics SL-J2, Parasound PPH-100.

    HT:
    Marantz SR7010, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW110 , Marantz UD5005, Pioneer PL-530, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, AVR-888, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, 5B, TSi100, RM7, PSW10 (DXi104 upgrade); Pioneer: CT-6R; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, CDR-615; Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii, Sony CDP-650ESD, Technics SA 5070, B&W DM601
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    I paid 500.00 for a 1500a and a pld 1100 pre. About 3 yrs ago.
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  • gp4jesus
    gp4jesus Posts: 1,988
    skrol wrote: »
    I decided to go with the 12,000uF 80V because the rails are running 60V and I wanted a little more voltage margin*
    Do you feel the cap swap was an upgrade, worth the effort? Your thoughts on a transformer upgrade on a non-"A" 1000?
    I concur on this*.

    Thnx Tony

    Samsung 60" UN60ES6100 LED, Outlaw Audio 976 Pre/Pro Samsung BDP, Amazon Firestick, Phillips CD Changer Canare 14 ga - LCR tweeters inside*; Ctr Ch outside BJC 10 ga: LCR mids “Foamed & Plugged**”, inside* & out
    8 ga Powerline: LR woofers, inside* & out
    *soldered **Rob the Man (Xschop) LR: Tri-amped RTi A7 w/Rotels. Woofers - 980BX; Tweets & Mids - 981, connected w/Monoprice Premiere ICs
    Ctr Ch: Rotel RB981 -> Bi-amped CSi A6 Surrounds: Premiere ICs ->Rotel 981 -> AR 12 ga -> RTi A3. 5 Subs: Sunfire True SW Signature -> LFE & Ctr Ch; 4 Audio Pro Evidence @ the “Corners”. Power Conditioning & Distribution: 4 dedicated 20A feeds; APC H15; 5 Furman Miniport 20s
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